Research Projects

Rivers provide diverse habitats for life and have been the subject of large dam construction for thousands of years, particularly in the developing world. These projects aim to provide water for agriculture, power generation, and flood control, but also cause significant environmental and social changes. Over 45,000 large dams are operational in over 150 countries, with another 1500 currently under construction. The Northeast Himalayan region in India, which is rich in water resources, is the easternmost part of the country. In 2001, the government identified 168 large hydroelectric project sites with installed capacities of 56,539 MW MW to create Northeast India as the future powerhouse. The Ranganadi dam, the first run-of-the-river dam in the region, is the oldest functional mega hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. This study aims to investigate the present status of the Ranganadi river ecosystem and its impact on the dam, aquatic plants, and livelihoods of people. The study will also prepare valuable baseline data for future research workers and authorities to minimize the impacts of upcoming large dam projects on the river ecosystems of Northeast India. This type of study will help for sustainable management and conservation of the entire river ecosystem of Northeast East Himalaya.